December 29, 2014

Why so many people treat animals poorly? Is it because they're uninformed? Is it because they CHOOSE to believe animals are expendable? Is it because of how they were raised? Is it just because... it's easier not to consider animals as having feelings, like people?

I wonder about that a lot. Especially when I look at my Olive, above, who was rescued from a puppy mill.

Do you ever wonder...

Why we, as human beings - "thinking man" if you will - don't think much? Why we don't 'think' before we act? Why we allow ourselves to be guided on the wrong path... as some folks are when it comes to our animal friends? The wrong path is the one that gives us dominion over animals to the extent that we treat them as if they are unimportant in the overall world we live in. Unimportant to the extent we leave innocent dogs out in the snow and rain, as if it doesn't matter whether they have shelter.

I wonder about that a lot. The picture above, of our Chester, who is with us no longer, shows how he feels about having to even go out in the snow... we sure as heck would never tie him out there or leave him out there for very long. Why do other people?

Do you ever wonder...

Why people sometimes smother their animals with TOO much love, to the extent that they create needy, overweight, poorly socialized pets that cause problems for not only the pets, but the people around them? Is it necessary to be overly attentive to your dog or cat or whatever pet you have? Overly attentive pet parents forget that the health and welfare of their treasured pet relies on them. It's okay to pamper your pet, but not to overindulge your pet. Dogs are not supposed to waddle. Cats are not supposed to roll in an effort to move around.

I wonder about that a lot.

Do you ever wonder...

If things are going to get better next year? Better than they have been this year? Things like cruelty and neglect? Things like nutrition and caring for pets as treasured creatures, not as 'things' you own? Is next year, 2015, the year we learn to appreciate the true value of pets... that their capacity for love and forgiveness should humble us all?

I wonder about that a lot. Like when my little Onyx, part pitbull part shitzu gazes at me with those eyes... full of trust and confidence. He knows we will never mistreat him, nor overindulge him, nor misunderstand him... we love him as he loves us. (he's our grandkid... lives with his "mom", our daughter)

Do you ever wonder...

If we, the pet people of the world, are making a difference with our work, our writing, our attention to the human-animal bond and how it makes us better as human beings? We are, by the way. We are making strides every day. We bring new people into our fold every day. Our experiences count. Our belief that animals are integral to the human condition, matters. Everything we do moves us closer to showing a world that would turn away from these wondrous creatures, to a world that embraces their power.

I don't wonder about that... I believe it. And, I work to keep it moving forward. Because, no matter what, the value of animals in our lives as human beings is as important as air, as the food we eat, and as important as each hand we hold, when we meet fellow beings across the world, or across the street. There is no separating us from them... people from pets. We need to respect and regard them with all the affection and passion we give each other... less we create a world lost in darkness.

I wonder many things, every day. And every day, I learn that my thoughts mirror many others'. Together, we can make this place we live a better place, for all creatures great and small.

December 27, 2014

Yes, yes, I'm a grinch. A scrooge. A stick in the mud, or whatever other name you give to someone who wishes the holidays were a bit shorter... like, done and over in an hour.

It's not that I don't like the decorations. I do. They're pretty. They make me go "aw" sometimes.

It's not that I don't like giving gifts. I do. I love surprising the kids and dogs and the kitty with something new and different that makes them go "aw"... even if it's in bark and meow.

It's not that I dislike visiting family and friends, drinking eggnog, eating cookies and candy and all manner of good food. I do. I even like making some of the good eats.

But, seriously, the holidays seem to drag on and on longer than necessary. The stores pitch us harder every year. The ads on TV and the web are outrageous. Outrageous in their annoyance. Some are funny and all are colorful but each one exists for one reason... to encourage us to give up our money in pursuit of happiness. And, we all know, there is no happiness in spending. Or, should I say overspending?

December 26, 2014

Disclosure – I was afforded this opportunity because I am part of the BlogPaws Professional Blogger Network. The Alpo dog biscuits were provided by Nestlé Purina. Scratchings and Sniffings only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. All opinions in this post are honest and my own.

It's the day after.

The day after Christmas.

At our house, I hear a lot of snoring in the background, and meowing... kitty never lets up. She's always after Tom to sit with her, give her treats, or just be there... he's her guy. It's mutual, of course.

The dogs are settled all snug on the sofa, bellies full of good stuff, dreaming of more...later on.

They had a GREAT Christmas. And one of the best parts was the arrival of our Alpo Treats dog biscuits. I have to say, they are totally in love with these treats and I can feel good about them cause they have vitamins and minerals and flavor and they're crunchy and... hey, part of me wants to try one, too!

When the box arrived, I had to hide it cause it was part of their Christmas. Even though the dogs immediately tried to steal it. They could smell those tasty treats even through the packaging. It goes to show the power of a dog's nose. But, the part that impressed me was their enthusiasm. Both dogs, but Especially Emily, were crazy to get that box open.

On Christmas morning,I took a little video to share- below. Enjoy! I can honestly say that Emily and Olive love their #AlpoDogBiscuit treats... and so do Mom and Tom. Nothing better than being able to give treats with 23 vitamins and minerals, that comes in small, medium and large, for dogs of all sizes, from a brand that 'gets' it the way Nestle Purina does.

Really, I can say that with a smile because we have fed some form of Purina for many, many years...and when it comes to treats, I'd rather have wholesome treats like these, that my dogs LOVE, than something else I can't trust. (btw, it hit store shelves in November... you can go get yours now!)

I'm so honored!

Let's meet at BlogPaws!

Search

Scratchings & Sniffings

This Blog's Guidelines

Please Review Before Commenting

This blog is for entertainment and conversational purposes only. The author of this blog is a pet owner and an animal lover. She hopes you are, too.

The following guidelines are a commitment to the readers of this blog. It's expected that readers and commenters will abide by the same rules as the blogger. Understand that the blogger reserves the right NOT to post any comments she considers unworthy of sharing.

1. We will tell the truth. We will acknowledge and correct any mistakes promptly.
2. We will only post comments that are on topic, conversational, and serve to entertain or educate.
3. We will not post comments that are spam, off-topic, rude, or defamatory.
4. We will reply to comments when appropriate as promptly as possible.
5. We will link to online references and original source materials directly.
6. We will disagree with others' opinions respectfully and expect the same from you.